Comments from strangers

I love interesting happenings... I love to think about why people say and do the things they do... I ponder what they know, versus what I know, that leads to certain things happening. So let me know what you think of this. It has had me laughing for two days.

Once the flights for Christmas travel were announced I have tried to organize my time. I have to see the doctor, dentist, hair dresser and banker. So I started making appointments as early in my time home as possible...espically the hair dresser. When I called the bank ,the receptionist said my invesment person was in a meeting but she could make the appointment. I then repeated my name, spelling" Woo L aVer "out so she would know to whom she was speaking . I also mentioned that I am the teacher up north and needed to do my RRSP's at Christmas. I know I met her last summer but I was surprised that she remembered me. She made the appointment to my schedule... and then she said:"Pearl, you know The Thirsty Duck is closed."

How did she know that was important to me? Did I dare ask?.. no I did not. "The Duck" has long been a favouite spot on a Saturday afternoon. A Clancey's and a BIG plate of Nachoes was one of my favourite things to do. I have a gang that does "The Duck". When my kids came of age they knew where to find Mother from 2 to 5. When my cousin Bruce's boat sailed into Hfx harbour he knew where to find his fav cousin on Sat. My kids often joined us. Aran's boss, who was a Cabinet member, oftened joined us. I never thought that we created a fuss even tho we were a funny group. I do remember buying my favouite red cowgirl boots after a session at The Duck... well I don't remember buying them but they were on my feet when I arrived home. I don't think I stole them. I am sure if I had been arrested I would remember that.

I wonder if my move to the North has caused an economic disaster for The Duck? I wonder now that my pals and I are gathering at Tim Horton's has caused all those poor people to be unemployed? I am feeling just a bit guilty. The big question for me is where am I going to go once I have shoppped Spring Garden Road? Where will my friends and family know where to see me? I guess I will have to stand outside the former entrance from 2 to 5 and see who comes looking for me. I will probably get arrested this time and I will be perfectly sobber.

Yesterday's walk home was the coldest yet this year. My knees were stinging from the cold by the time I reached my door. It is only 300 steps from the school to the house but it is a long 300 steps when the wind is that cold and strong.

There were very strong winds over night. I had the heat on high but it was not the least bit warm. I was in my pj's (no one is surprised about that), heavy fleece robe and s till needed a blanket while I was watching TV. The wind blows right in my front door and thru to the kitchen. That floor is bloody cold on a windy day so I did not cook.

The CGIT girls are busy planning another sale at school. They want to buy uniforms so they are earning the money by making and selling popscicles( even in these temps they sell like hot cakes) and rice krispie squares. Their leader has come up with what she thinks is a great idea.. I teach the girls to roll out pie crust and they make pies to sell. Teaching someone to roll out pie crust is not easy... it is impossible. This ought to be fun. The favourite pie up here is lemon.. .they go for $12 to $15.00. Pecan is up to 18.00 this year. My parents send up the pie crust mix, pecans and cherry pie filling so there is alot of profit in these pies for the girls.

I teach some of these CGIT girls. They are keen to learn and to work. They are after me to start the sewing club again. It was a huge success last year. I met a woman in Tim Horton's and we got talking... big surprise there. When she heard I was going up north she kindly donated boxes and boxes of sewing material and tools to work with. The girls loved it. I was able to get rid of some of my stash of material too. Now to do it again. I could be at school 24/7 with some of the students. They are so keen. Although there is women's hockey team here there is not a team for the teenagers. Lots for the boys to do but not as much for the girls. So it looks like I will be starting up the s ewing club again.

Hope this finds you all well.
pearl